Real Stories from Parents Supporting Kids with OCD

Understanding OCD and Its Impact on Families

Parenting a child with OCD can feel overwhelming and isolating. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a mental health condition that causes intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), affects more than 1 in 100 people worldwide. For parents, the challenge lies in supporting their children while navigating the emotional, educational, and social hurdles OCD can bring to their daily lives.

Thankfully, there is hope—and help. By building routines, encouraging evidence-based therapies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and fostering connections within the OCD community, many families are finding ways to thrive. Below, we’ll share powerful real-life stories from parents of children with OCD, as well as expert tips to guide your family’s unique path to recovery.

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Real Stories from Families on Their OCD Journey

Story 1: Finding Balance in Routines

Claire, a mom of an 8-year-old daughter diagnosed with OCD, shares how building (and adapting) routines has been both a challenge and a win.

“My daughter’s OCD rituals consumed so much of our day—brushing her teeth took 40 minutes as she repeated each step obsessively. At first, we tried to eliminate every ritual, but that caused meltdowns and increased her anxiety. Eventually, with support from a therapist, we learned to create flexible routines. We set achievable goals each week, slowly reducing rituals while prioritizing self-compassion. Now, she’s brushing her teeth within 10 minutes most nights. It’s all about balance and patience.”

Claire’s story is a great reminder that small victories can pave the way for big progress. Progress will rarely be linear, but persistence and adaptability are key.

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Story 2: The Value of ERP Therapy

Aaron’s son, Ryan, was just 10 when he started ERP therapy, a highly effective treatment for OCD. Aaron reflects on his experience supporting Ryan during sessions.

“ERP was daunting at first—watching my son confront his biggest fears felt counterintuitive as a parent. Ryan’s triggers involved touching doorknobs and eating food he thought was ‘contaminated.’ The therapist guided him through tiny, manageable exposures, like walking past a doorknob without touching it. I learned to resist reassuring him when he sought comfort, which was tough but necessary for his growth. Within months, we saw significant improvements. Ryan now eats almost everything and doesn’t avoid doors at school anymore.”

ERP therapy helps reduce the power of compulsions over time by gradually exposing individuals to their obsessions in a controlled, supportive environment. Aaron’s experience underscores the importance of sticking with the process despite initial discomfort.

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Story 3: A Triumph Over Intrusive Thoughts

Ella, 12, struggled silently with intrusive thoughts that left her family bewildered until they found a therapist specializing in ERP. Four months into therapy, Ella’s mom, Rebecca, shares the results:

“We didn’t realize how intrusive thoughts controlled Ella’s life until they left her unable to focus at school or sleep at night. Therapy showed her how to sit with discomfort instead of reacting. I’ll never forget the day she told me, ‘Mom, I don’t believe my OCD lies anymore.’ She still has tough moments, but she’s smiling again, hanging out with her friends, and being a kid. ERP gave us our daughter back.”

Stories like Ella’s shine a light on why specialized therapy is an integral part of an OCD recovery plan.

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Expert Insights on Supporting Children with OCD

Just as the families above sought professional support, you too can effectively guide your child through OCD with the right strategies. Here are tips from licensed therapists specializing in OCD treatment:

Focus on ERP Therapy

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is widely regarded as the gold-standard therapy for treating OCD. Parents are encouraged to work closely with therapists who specialize in ERP to tailor exposures to their child’s needs.

Resist Reassurance Seeking

While it’s natural to want to calm your child, providing constant reassurance may reinforce OCD’s grip. Instead, acknowledge their anxiety and help them tolerate uncertainty without giving in to compulsions.

Be a Team, Not Just a Coach

Approach your child’s treatment as a collaborative process. Participating in therapy and practicing ERP techniques together fosters trust and shows your child they’re not alone in this battle.

Use Resources for Continued Growth

Organizations like the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) offer endless support. From searchable directories of therapists to webinars and support groups (available via the IOCDF website), exploring such resources can be a game-changer for families. At GroundWork, several of our clinicians have received BTTI training via the IOCDF, and all GroundWork Orlando OCD clinicians are active members of the IOCDF.

Celebrate Small Wins

Therapy is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate incremental victories, whether it’s a shorter bedtime ritual or your child touching a trigger object for the first time. Positive reinforcement helps build confidence in your child and keeps your family motivated.

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The Importance of Seeking Help

If your child is showing signs of OCD, it’s critical to seek specialized professional care. Evidence-based therapies like ERP are powerful tools that can transform not only your child’s life but also the dynamics of your entire family.

Remember, you are not alone. The OCD community is full of parents, therapists, and allies ready to provide support and practical advice. By taking that first step—whether it’s finding a qualified therapist, joining a support group, or reaching out to a trusted organization—you are taking essential action to help your child live a fulfilling, OCD-free life.

You’ve Got This!

Parenting a child with OCD is no easy task, but your love, persistence, and willingness to seek help can make all the difference. Your child’s success begins with your commitment to their well-being, and every step forward is a step closer to recovery.

If you’d like more expert guidance, GroundWork CBT in Orlando is here to help. Help is out there—and so is hope.